Chapter 65: The Bold Kiss*

"Come on, you two, get a bit closer! Don't act like strangers; you're not meeting for the first time!" The photographer called out for the nth time, frustrated during the outdoor photoshoot.

"Lucas, what's going on with you two? It's almost lunch, and I swear your eyes are about to pop out of their sockets!" Roy Lin, who had already finished his wedding photo shoot, teased from the side.

Lucas glanced at Claire, standing stiffly beside him. "What's wrong? You're making everyone impatient."

Claire crossed her arms and shrank back, trying to cover her chest. "But this dress is too revealing. And it's not even our wedding; why do we have to take these photos?"

"It's not that revealing. It's pretty, actually. We're the best man and maid of honor—taking photos together isn't strange. Besides, once we're done, we can eat. Aren't you hungry?" Lucas knew all too well how quickly she got flustered when hungry.

"Yes, I am, but—"

"Can you two cooperate a little?" The photographer was losing patience, glancing at the blazing sun. "Miss, please work with us here. So many people are waiting on you!" While he had to admit they were a stunning pair to photograph, standing under the scorching sun any longer might turn them all into sun-dried statues.

Lucas's expression darkened, about to say something, when Claire sensed his irritation. To ease the tension, she wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning gently into his chest, adopting a soft and endearing posture.

"How's this, photographer?" Claire asked, casting off her earlier reservations and looking toward him.

"The pose is good, but the expressions are too stiff. It'd look much better if you both relaxed and smiled."

Stiff expressions? She thought she was smiling, but then she looked up at Lucas. His features were tense and as cold as stone. He was definitely upset.

"Lucas, could you try loosening up a bit? Maybe a smile?" she whispered gently.

"I'm not an idiot!" Lucas scoffed, his irritation plain. The photographer's tone had irked him, and he was in no mood to play along.

"But I'm really hungry. Let's just get this over with, okay?" she pleaded softly. The dress fitting alone had drained her energy, and if she didn't get some food soon, she was sure she'd faint. "Plus, Roy and Sarah are waiting for us."

"Who cares? Let's just skip this!" he growled, about to turn and leave. In a panic, Claire clung to him tighter, her lips close to his ear as she whispered, "Lucas, come on, don't be like this. Everyone's watching us. Just smile, alright?"

Her sweet, coaxing tone struck a chord, sending a warm ripple through him. She was being so soft and endearing, just like a gentle breeze easing his mood. Unable to resist, he softened, his lips lifting into a faint, yet genuinely warm smile. Claire's heart skipped as she noticed his face relax; they were so close, and the camera's flashes went off just as the space between their faces closed, leaving only a few centimeters between their lips.

"Lucas! What are you waiting for? Kiss her already!" Roy shouted from the sidelines, amused.

"Kiss him, Claire! Don't hold back! Just go for it!" Sarah joined in, stirring up the crowd. Her comment, however, had the whole audience turning toward her. Roy, realizing the impact of her words, awkwardly tried to wave away the murmurs. "What my wife means is—they look great together, so, uh, no need to hold back." He made a mental note to help her avoid such phrases in public in the future.

Meanwhile, Lucas fixed his eyes on Claire, a playful smile on his lips as he watched her cheeks flush bright red. He was clearly curious to see how she'd respond to Sarah's bold suggestion.

"Oh, come on! Don't waste time, just kiss!" Sarah cheered again, oblivious to the reactions around her. "Claire, don't overthink it! Just go for it whether he's ready or not. Let's finish this, so we can eat!"

With everyone's gaze fixed on the two of them, Claire noticed Lucas just looking at her, waiting for her to make a move. He thought he could throw her off like this? Determined, she bit her lip, took a deep breath, and tugged his head down by his neck, rising onto her tiptoes as she met his lips with her own in a bold kiss.

The camera flashes flared around them, capturing the scene amid cheers and even a few whistles from the onlookers.

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**Later, at the restaurant.**

"Claire, you know, you might look soft and gentle, but you've got guts. You really went for it!" Sarah laughed as she watched Claire, who was sitting across from her and eating quietly.

Claire shot a quick glance at Lucas, seated next to her with his usual calm demeanor. She couldn't tell what he thought of her bold move earlier, but one thing she knew was that as soon as her lips met his, he had taken control. Even now, she could still feel the lingering warmth of his kiss.

After a few silent moments, Lucas finally looked at her. "Claire, maybe you shouldn't spend so much time around Sarah." The thought of Sarah's casual remarks rubbing off on her was one he wasn't fond of.

"Lucas, what's your problem? I haven't done anything to her," Sarah retorted, her face close to his as she whispered, "Besides, seems like my advice worked out pretty well for you. At the bridal shop earlier, you didn't seem to mind kissing in front of us. If it wasn't for the photographer stopping you, you two might still be lost in that kiss. Don't pretend to be all noble now, okay?"

Men, she thought, could be so hypocritical—getting all the benefits and then acting as if they hadn't enjoyed it.